Karlo Cabahug, Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO) Assistant Head, said on Thursday, January 26, 2023, that their search and rescue operation for the missing man is still ongoing. SunStar Cebu is withholding the man’s identity for security purposes.
Cabahug said the incident was reported to them around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, where they immediately launched a search and rescue operation together with personnel from the Philippine National Police Regional Maritime Unit 7.
Personnel of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also assisted in the operation.
Cabahug said they also alerted the neighboring towns should the man’s body be drifted into their areas, but they have not received any reports of the victim’s recovery at the press time.
Cabahug said that among the challenges for their operation was the strong current and depth of the water.
Based on initial reports, the victim was reportedly accompanied by someone when he attempted to jump off the bridge.
His companion thought they were able to pacify him but the victim still continued to jump off the bridge.
Their search and rescue operation has ceased in the meantime due to the adverse weather condition, but he said they would resume once the weather improves right away.
Seek professional help
He advised people having suicidal thoughts and suffering from depression to seek professional help.
He encouraged people from Mandaue City to approach the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO) to seek professional advice if they are experiencing problems.
We have personnel there ready to talk to them and give them advice, he said.
He also shared that they are now mulling on a universal hotline where people having suicidal thoughts could directly dial for assistance soon.
Individuals suffering from depression and needing assistance may call the following numbers:
* HopeLine Hotlines at (02) 804-HOPE (4673); 0917 558 HOPE (4673); and 2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers).
* DOH suicide prevention hotlines:
0917-899-8727 (USAP)
0917-989-8727 (USAP)